The Human Rights Office in Sana’a has issued a strong condemnation against leaders of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, internationally designated as a terrorist group, alleging the embezzlement of over 90 million Yemeni riyals belonging to inmates and detainees at the Central Prison in the capital. The accusations, made public on Monday have ignited widespread concern regarding potential human rights abuses.

According to a statement, the Human Rights Office asserts that the alleged embezzlement was carried out under the direction of prominent Houthi leader Abdulqader Al-Murtada and executed by an individual identified as Abu Khaled, who holds the position of director of "security affairs" within the prison system. The funds in question reportedly represent deposits held by shopkeepers inside the prison on behalf of the inmates.

The Human Rights Office characterized the alleged actions as a "horrific crime" and unequivocally held the Iran-backed Houthis responsible for the ensuing legal and ethical transgressions. The office dismissed the Houthis' purported justification for the seizure—that the funds were confiscated as part of an effort to expose drug traffickers—as unfounded. Instead, the Human Rights Office views this action as further evidence of the group's pattern of extortion and systematic looting within detention facilities.

Disturbing reports have emerged indicating attempted suicides among inmates protesting the alleged embezzlement, highlighting the rapidly declining psychological and living conditions experienced by those detained. The Human Rights Office has urgently demanded the immediate restitution of the misappropriated funds to their rightful owners. Furthermore, the office has called upon the international community to implement targeted sanctions against Houthi leaders responsible for the administration of prisons within their controlled territories.